why are people humanizing their dogs? they are animals and need to be treated as such?

Answer 1

A great question, and one that was sure to bring out a lot of the humaniacs here who have never owned a real dog. Had they ever had, they would know that if you treat a dog like a human, he will treat you with all the contempt you deserve. I could never imagine or do some of the things that people do here to their dogs, like putting clothes on them, putting them in strollers, letting them sleep on their beds or get on the furniture. Few people here have any real knowledge of dog behavior and even fewer know anything about pack drive and the fact that the dog's world revolves around that drive. If they did, and if they understood that a dog is NOT the same thing as a human, they would treat their dogs with the respect and admiration they deserve. In the last 27 years of being involved with dogs, I have learned one thing. Dogs do not follow a lovable leader.

Answer 2

People are pack animals as well so it stands to reason that treating another pack animal as the same should be a natural reaction. Im sure most pampered pooches dont mind, and if you dont like it, dont do it yourself, but leave everyone else alone. I am sure there are things that you do with your dogs that many would consider wrong but we dont bash on about that, do we? 3 of my 5 dogs are rescues, so they are babied outrageously. People who put such an emotional value on their pets are less likely to abuse or surrender them to a shelter. Dont knock it.

Answer 3

Dogs are pack animals. Much like humans being clanish and familial. Dogs are quicker to warn the pack than humans are to warn the clan or family. I would rely on a good dog for this and less on the human. I do understand where you are coming from. There is no way I would allow a dog to teach me to lick myself. I think a dog in a doggie hotel would find that repulsive.

Answer 4

You have to clarify your terms. What does "humanizing" mean to you? What actions are humanizing?

Personally, I find the Dog WHisperer to be more likely to human the dogs he works with. He doesn't want them to be anything but accessories that just hang out with him and make him look good by being what he calls calm. Most dog trainers call that shut down. If a dog behaves like a dog it gets punished, poked, tssted, alpha rolled, intimidated and scared into submission. That isn't normal dog behavior.

My dogs all have training and are expected to do certain things: be polite and friendly to people, be socialable to other dogs, listen to me when I ask them to do something important.

I do believe my dogs are dogs, however and really enjoy their dogginess.

I don't believe in punishing dogs for doing things they were bred to do: such as digging, barking, jumping, licking, etc.

I do find ways to redirect these behaviors to something acceptable to me: digging pits, putting "speak" on cue, teaching "off", teaching an "enough" command for licking, etc.

Answer 5

I agree! I mean, I love all animals but when people get small dogs to carry them around and then there's the ones that actually put their dogs in a stroller!!! Those people have some kind of psychological issues.

Answer 6

Dogs are animals and so are humans. Humans like comfort, security, food, shelter, love etc. Dogs like these things too. I think a lot of people need to be more human or maybe just more like dogs.

It is unfair to put expectations of people on dogs. Dogs have special things that make them dogs. They like to chase anything that moves and eat anything that will stay still long enough. So we put them on leashes and feed them the proper food. They need a reason to do things and a reason not to do things, so we motivate them like they need. I don't offer my dog a ride to the moon to motivate him, I offer him his favorite squeaky.

Recognizing what makes your dog tick isn't treating them like a person it is treating them properly. If you don't recognize the differences in your dog you won't see them as fully as you could.

Answer 7

I think some people “animalize” animals too much. Just because they are animals doesn’t mean they don’t like warm beds, love, and fun with their family. “They are just animals” makes no sense to me. Animals and people have many shared needs and have many shared feelings. My dog is a dog, but she is also my good friend and I don't see why I shouldn't treat her like it.

Answer 8

I find much of the human race disgusting. I respect my dogs much more than my neighbors. Humans have become less tolerable.

Answer 9

Are you saying dogs and other animals are incapable of any emotion? Have you ever had a pet?

Answer 10

To some people, myself included, pets (especially dogs) are much more than just "animals."

My dogs are my "furbabies" and I love them more than anything.

To each their own. I think the better question is why do you care what others do with their dogs?